An extra season has been plucked down in
the calendar of my local church: Interim
Interval. After the minister’s
resignation, we wait for a new preacher.
Yet this season should be analogous to the liturgical season of
Advent. For some Interim involves
mournfulness over a sense of loss attached to people. Yet Advent prompts Christians to get in touch
with our need for a Savior. Interim may
include fatigue over the uncertainty of the future. Advent is a season of preparation for the
future by contemplating the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. Interim can surface expressions that things
aren’t the way they used to be. Advent
prompts focus on the hope of Christ’s coming.
Interim may realize noticeable empty seats on Sunday morning and fewer
parishioners available for outreach. Advent
motivates believers to reach out to share life and hope with people in need.
My goal is to consider this present
Interim as an extra Advent. Sure, my
approach is serious, yet I am seeking joy as I get ready for a transforming celebration, not of the birth, but the life of Jesus. As I
prepare and wait for the coming of new leadership, this is a prime time to
focus on the attributes of God and in my relationship to Him. I yearn to enter into a long expectation for
what God is going to do. I am waiting
for newness and freshness, even though I am a ‘senior.’ For a practical application, I may include an invitation to someone to attend a fellowship group, or offer a spontaneous offer to share Sunday
lunch.
An Advent attitude is a different
perspective. Yet, consider that for many
Africans, a December Advent does not come at the beginning of winter, but at
the onset of their rainy season - quite different than the one I am familiar with. May
showers of blessings fall on my Advent attitude.
Finally, I’ll be singing my favorite
Advent hymn in the shower.
